June 18, Friday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, written by Han Byul Kim of Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, was first posted on August 7, 2014.   Han Byul, meaning one star in Korean, is a long-time member of the church’s worship team (plays the keyboard).  Check out her music at  (https://www.youtube.com/user/hanbyulru/).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“What a Genuine Spirituality Looks Like”

1 Peter 2:17a 

“Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God.”

Rom. 12:9

“Let love be genuine.”

I recently visited a church that is known for its culture of celebration and honor, where everyone seems happy all the time. The lead worship pastor of the church especially embodied the uppity, positive spirit of the community. My honest thought when I first met her was, “Could this be all genuine? How could she be this joyful toward everyone all the time?”

My prideful speculation was soon countered as I began to see the depth and dimension of her heart through her words and action toward, not only the visitors, but also her own staff. Throughout the course of two weeks, I saw her leading worship and teaching paradigm-shifting thoughts on stage, always with a big smile on her face. Frequently, I heard her speaking of the great impact other speakers have made and building them up with such compliments where anyone would feel undeserving or even embarrassed to receive. But even more frequently was she seen off stage looking out for the needs of the people she was serving with, as small as getting water for them, with the same big smile.

Toward the end of the second week, as I caught a glimpse of her handing out snacks to the staff during their monthly meeting, it clicked in me: Celebrating and serving people come so genuinely and naturally for her because she sees them as how God sees them; that is, with eyes of honor, acceptance and hope. He created us in his own image, fearfully and wonderfully, crowned us with glory and honor (Psalm 8:5), and put eternity in our hearts to treasure the eternal God and become partners for His kingdom work.

Though it is a real challenge to genuinely honor and love someone when all we see is brokenness, let us receive the ministry of the Holy Spirit who aligns our hearts to his and gives us compassion to love the world as he does.

Prayer: Father, You said that we shouldn’t call “unclean” what You have made clean, and likewise, to treat everyone like how You treat them: with honor, acceptance and hope. Open our eyes to see what You see and strengthen us to hope in Your restorative plan to bring all creation in Your dwelling place where all is made whole.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 33

Lunch Break Study

Read Rom. 12:9-16 (ESV): Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.  Never be wise in your own sight. 

Questions to Consider

  1. What are some tangible things we can do to benefit and bless others?
  2. What is implied in “rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep”?  Relate that to authenticity.
  3. Are there people in your life right now who need one or more of the blessings listed here?  Would you pray about what you can do?

Notes

  1. When someone is being mean to us, we can bless them by praying for them; when we see people being discriminated or ridiculed, instead of joining with those who do these things or be silent, we come to the side of the battered.  For instance, we don’t agree to gossip about someone who is being maligned wrongfully.
  2. This shows that the believers are authentic beings who are not to be dehumanized in any way.  No matter how happy one is because of his fortuitous circumstances, he identifies with the sorrow of those who are undergoing difficult times.     
  3. I (P. Ryun) have a brother-in-law who is undergoing chemotherapy to treat cancer.  I pray for him every day without fail. 

Evening Reflection

What was our heart’s response when we encountered someone different than us today? Let’s continue to press on to see the way God sees that person and honor him/her in heart and action.

June 17, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional was first posted on July 10, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“If God Can Pardon David Berkowitz . . .”

Jonah 3:10, 4:1-2

When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it. 4 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. 2 And he prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.

God’s grace is amazingly frustrating because it sometimes seems like God makes mistakes. We look at someone like David Berkowitz (a.k.a., Son of Sam) who killed 6 women and shot 7 others and ask, “God, this person deserves judgment. How can you show him grace?”

This is the same situation Jonah found himself in. Despite the great atrocities the people of Nineveh committed, and despite the fact that they didn’t deserve it, Jonah knew God was gracious, and if Nineveh repented they would be spared. This is why he ran away. 

There is an inherent danger in this pattern of thought. The moment we feel like some people merit grace and others don’t, it stops becoming grace altogether. When this happens, we take the place of God the Creator in judgment of man whom He created. 

Rather, we are told to cultivate faith like a child when it comes to the matters of grace; that is, receive grace like a child.  We need to have faith that God knows what He’s doing when He pours out grace. Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

When we do this, we may get a glimpse of how powerful God’s grace truly is. Nineveh repented top down. Likewise, David Berkowitz repented, converted to Christianity, and said this: “I have no interest in parole and no plans to seek release. If you could understand this, I am already a ‘free man.’ I am not saying this jokingly. I really am. Jesus Christ has already pardoned me, and I believe this.”

There’s a word of warning as well as a word of encouragement for us today.We cannot assume that certain people merit grace and others do not. To do so would be to take the place of God. Our encouragement is that God’s grace is wonderfully powerful and He extends it to us.

Prayer: God, I thank You for your grace over my life. I ask that You reveal Your heart of grace for those around me. Use me to reveal Your grace to those who desperately need it.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 32

Lunch Break Study

Re-read the passage for this morning’s devotion.

Read Matthew 6:14-15: For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Questions to Consider

  1. What does today’s text reveal about God’s desire for people?
  2. Why was Jonah upset at God’s grace?
  3. When we look at today’s text in light of what Jesus says in Matthew, what are we warned of?

Notes

  1. God desires mercy and grace instead of destruction (Joel 2:12-14).
  2. It can be inferred that Jonah believed that Nineveh should be destroyed for its great sins, especially to the people of Israel.
  3. If we do not show grace in forgiving others, then we cannot expect God to show grace in forgiving us.

Evening Reflection

In tonight’s reflection, take a moment to honestly examine if there is anyone you have not shown grace to. Press into the heart of God that shows grace when it feels like grace is undeserved. Ask the Lord to strengthen you to go and show grace in a practical, tangible way.

June 16, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on April 2, 2015, is provided by Pastor Shan Gian who, in the coming month, is slated to lead Remnant Westside in Manhattan.  Congratulations.  Shan is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Gordon Conwell Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Giving It It Up for the Right Cause”

1 Samuel 20:30-32

Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse, rebellious woman, do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame, and to the shame of your mother’s nakedness? 31 For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Therefore send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die.” 32 Then Jonathan answered Saul his father, “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” 

The throne of Israel was Jonathan’s birthright—this was supposed to be his kingdom.  In the eyes of the world, he had every right to take this throne.  Knowing full well that his father was right, that as long as David lived on earth neither Jonathan nor his kingdom would be established, he defends David.  Essentially, Jonathan abdicated his throne to David.  

But why would he do this?  What could lead someone to give up all of the fortune, prestige and power that is due them?  Hardly any of us would refuse something we rightly deserve.  If we were there, we all would have thought Jonathan was crazy.  He was the prince of Israel, the future king!  And kings don’t just step aside and let others take over their kingdom—no king would just leave his own throne like this.

What led Jonathan do to this?  For him, I think it was really simple: he knew who the real king was.  He saw God’s anointing on David, as well as his character and heart for God, and Jonathan just stepped aside and gave up his rightful throne.  He put aside all of his rights, all of his abilities, all of his own authority and power.  And he gave all of that up to the true king of Israel.  

A few thousand years later, a son of David would do something similar.  He had all authority and power, deserving of glory and praise; He was the true King.  And yet, this King put aside all of that, He emptied and humbled Himself to be a servant, to the point of death on a cross.  

Do you know who the real King is in your life?  If so, then let Him lead you in every aspect of your life—including relationships, finances and entertainment.  In the long run, you will be more content and satisfied with Christ leading you than you leading yourself.  Think.  Reflect.  Pray.

Prayer: Jesus you are my King.  I pray that as I remember You, I will see how worthy You are of my whole life. I set aside all that I am and declare that you reign in my life.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 31

Lunch Bible Study

Read John 13:1-17: Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him,3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.”8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 

Questions to Consider

  1. What was so incredible about Jesus washing his disciples’ feet?
  2. Why does Jesus do this for them?
  3. What does the humility of Jesus mean for you?

Notes

  1. Even if we only look at Jesus’ human nature, washing the feet of his disciples was astounding, since to his disciples, Jesus was their Master and Rabbi.  Though He was in the position of power and authority, yet he was the one who stripped down, bent down and washed their dirty, smelly feet as an act of service, something that these disciples altogether refused to do for one another because of their pride.  When we consider Jesus’ God nature, it’s more unfathomable: He knew that He was about to take the cross and that he was washing the feet of men who would flee from him, deny him and even betray him.
  2. Jesus washes their feet to set an example of what it means to be a servant and how they should let go of their pride to serve one another.  Not too long after this account, Jesus would be nailed to the cross, giving all of us the ultimate example of humility and service to others.
  3. Personal application question

Evening Reflection

Reflect again upon Jesus, our humble King who washed the feet of His disciples; and out of love for us He humbled Himself to die on a cross for our sins.  How has this humility of Jesus changed your life?  How is your life a reflection of Jesus’ humble sacrifice for us?  

June 15, Tuesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 18, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

Malachi 2:13

“Another thing you do: You flood the Lord’s altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer looks with favor on your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands.” 

In the story of Hosea, an 8th century B.C. prophet in Israel, and his adulterous wife Gomer, their children, who were named, “Not my people” (Lo–Ammi) and “Not my loved one” (Lo–Ruhamah), represented God’s indignation against a nation too busy chasing after idols.   So furious was God that He later declared through Jeremiah (7:16), “Do not pray for this people . . . for I will not listen to you.” 

Some 300 years later, the Israelites appeared to have changed since they offered sacrifices to God.  But, by keeping the best for themselves while offering animals that had no value to them, God was insulted.  To the list of “I no longer love you” and “I no longer listen to your prayer,” the Lord added, “I no longer accept your offering.”  Since God’s holiness is beyond our imagination, none should be shocked by God’s displeasure expressed in this manner; however, if our probing stops here, we’ll get the wrong picture.

In the case of Hosea, notice what God had him do while Gomer, having run away, was working as a prostitute under her pimp.  Hosea (2:8) wrote, “She has not acknowledged that I was the one who gave her the grain, the new wine and oil, who lavished on her the silver and gold—which they used for Baal.”  Evidently, Hosea, still concerned about Gomer, went to her to give food and items showing affection.   Apparently, the pimp intercepted them, presumably promising Hosea to give them to his wife.  Gomer got some, being told that it was from the pimp; most of it, however, was used to worship Baal.  

Its meaning?  In God’s rejection of His wayward people, as well as their prayers and offerings, He continued to provide for their needs, for “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matt. 5:45).

What does this all imply?  The time of discipline will be followed by a time of restoration: “I will say to those called ‘Not my people, ‘You are my people’; and they will say, ‘You are my God’” (Hos. 2:23).  So, if you haven’t spent much time with Him lately, do so today.  If you’ve been away from God, come back.  Today.

Prayer: “Lord, I know I have been closer to you in the past than now.  I recall the time when you found me, how joyous and thrilling it was.   I am sorry that I let too many things of this world to get in the way of truly loving and honoring you.  Forgive me.  Help me to do better.  I need you, Lord.   Thank You.  Amen.”

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 30

Lunch Break Study

During Paul’s second missionary journey (49-52), the apostle was in Lystra, speaking to pagans there. 

Read Acts 14:16-7: “In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17 Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”

Hebrews 12:5b- 6, 10-1: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son. . . . Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.  Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

Matt. 7:24, 6: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. .  . . But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.”

Questions to Consider

  1. How does Paul express God’s love for these pagans who worshiped Greek gods?  What does it mean that God sent Paul there to preach the gospel to them? 
  2. Ultimately, why does God punish or discipline His children?
  3. What is the best way to avert God’s discipline of us? 

Notes

  1. Even though these pagans neither acknowledged nor worshiped God, the Lord was still concerned that they had plenty to eat.   He is not a petty deity but the God of the universe who is kind to all that He has made.  But, of course, God wants more for them; thus, Paul was sent there to share the gospel so that they might be saved. 
  2. When and if we respond to God’s discipline with a good attitude, we will come out more humble and pliable to Him.  Subsequently, we will be able to lead more of a righteous and peaceful life (sinning less while producing good fruits more frequently).  In short, it is for our own good.
  3. Whatever God tells us, through convictions we get while reading the Scripture, praying or hearing sermons, put it into practice right away.   If we respond to God as soon as He tells us something, then that is one less reason for God to discipline or punish us. 

Evening Reflection

As you go over today, in what ways did God demonstrate His love for you?  Were you also able to express this love to others around you?  Reflect on God’s goodness.  Pray for a softer heart.  

June 14, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional, provided by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego, was first posted on April 6, 2015.  Peter is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Who Do You Want on Your Team?  Who Does God Want on His?”

1 Sam 22:1-2, 26-31

David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. 2 All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him . . . 26 When David reached Ziklag, he sent some of the plunder to the elders of Judah, who were his friends, saying, “Here is a gift for you from the plunder of the Lord’s enemies.” 27 David sent it to those who were in Bethel, Ramoth Negev and Jattir; 28 to those in Aroer, Siphmoth, Eshtemoa 29 and Rakal; to those in the towns of the Jerahmeelites and the Kenites; 30 to those in Hormah, Bor Ashan, Athak 31 and Hebron; and to those in all the other places where he and his men had roamed.

Suppose you were asked to start up a ministry: it could be a small group, a homeless ministry, a prayer ministry or a hospitality ministry, etc. Where do you begin the team selection? Do you look to the responsible, gifted, personable, team-oriented people? Or do you gather together all who might be “in distress or in debt or discontented”? It’s obvious that we’d prefer to work with those who are emotionally healthy, resourceful, and optimistic. If the team members of a ministry displayed those qualities time and time again—now, that’s a ministry that I would sign up for. But what if the members of the team displayed the kinds of qualities that reflected the type of people that had gathered around David as he fled from King Saul?

This was a precarious time for David. King Saul was filled with envy as David gained more recognition and popularity, and Saul’s aim was to kill David. David understood that for his safety, as well as for his own family, he would have to flee from Saul and seek refuge elsewhere. For the next 8 years or so (possibly longer), David would live in caves, remote villages, even behind enemy lines evading Saul. And the long wandering flight began with a gathering of people whose lives were disheveled. 

Skip over 8 chapters to the end of David’s fleeing years from King Saul. David and his men are now in a position where they are sharing their possessions and sending gifts to many places where “he and his men had roamed.” God had not merely protected David, but He had given David and his men such blessings that they now found themselves in a position of sharing their surplus with others.

Do you believe that God can take a group of people who are “in distress or in debt or discontented” and eventually position those people so that they would bless others in their spheres of influence? The truth is that we all are people in distress or in debt or discontented in one way or another. Yet, God has chosen to bless us through His Son so that we in turn might bless others in the very places where we reside, work, study, and play.  

Prayer: Lord, when I look at my life, I’m not really sure how I’ll be a blessing to others. I ask that you fill my heart with your Spirit so that I might be a conduit of blessing to my family, co-workers, neighbors, and church members. In Jesus’ name, amen.  

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 29

Lunch Break Study  

Read 1 Cor. 1:26-31 (NIV): Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Questions to Consider

  1. Would you agree that before you were called you were “not wise and not influential” but rather foolish?   
  2. Why does God choose the “lowly things of this world” to carry out His works?  
  3. How do you go about boasting in the Lord? 

Notes

  1. The act of God in Christ has brought about a reversal of human evaluations concerning status, achievement, and success. Before coming into a relationship with Christ, everything was motivated by selfish gain, and therefore we lived in the folly of self-centeredness. 
  2. God chooses the lowly things so that no one may boast before Him; rather he desires that they might boast in the Lord and be freed from a life of self-centeredness.  
  3. The point of Paul’s letter is not self-abasement but boasting in God’s strength and wisdom.   

Evening Reflection

As you reflect upon your position of ministry toward others, how do you keep yourself from becoming self-inflated and robbing God of His glory? Spend some time confessing your own weakness and foolishness and worship the Lord for His strength and wisdom.

June 13, Sunday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, written by Pastor Young Kim of Grace Covenant Church in Philadelphia, was originally posted on June 20, 2013.  Pastor Young is a graduate of University of Illinois (BS), Biblical Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Westminster Theological Seminary (MA). 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Drink Too Much?”

Proverbs 20:1

“Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” 

Personally, I believe too many Christians are being led astray in this area. For some of us, we pray too little, and we drink too much.  In the name of Christian liberty, there are many believers who are so unwise in this area of drinking.  If alcohol is the way you relax after a stressful day, or it is a way for you to feel more sociable, or you love being an expert at tasting wine or beer, I think you should try this experiment:  Fast all forms of alcoholic beverages for a year.  Try it and you might discover that you have allowed alcohol to have a stronger grip in your life than you would admit.  I did say only a year . 

Prayer: Lord, let me be guided by wisdom in this area and not just my desire.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Ezekiel 28

June 12, Saturday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor David Kwon who heads Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, was first posted on June 14, 2014.  He is a graduate of Drexel University (BS) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Gratitude”

Luke 17:11-19

On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. 15Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

Gratitude is one of the most powerful spiritual disciplines which every believer should practice continually.  As a young parent, one of the many lessons we try to teach our kids is thanksgiving and gratitude.  But sometimes, my kids seem to complain about the things they do not have rather than the things my wife and I have already given them.   If we are honest, we can be guilty of this as well. 

When Jesus heals the lepers, only the Samaritan (foreigner) returns back to give thanks, and Jesus asks, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” When Jesus had instructed the leprous men to go to the priest, all of them had turned to do so. On their way, all of them were healed, but only one had taken the trouble to return and thank Jesus.  In the passage, God’s graciousness is ignored and unappreciated by the nine men who were healed, but Jesus appreciates the Samaritan’s sensitivity and commends it.


Sometimes, we can take for granted what God does in our lives. We must have the same attitude that this man had when he saw that he was clean. He didn’t hesitate to give thanks to Jesus – but praised and worshiped Him. In the chaos of our lives, it can be hard to step back and thank God for what he has done for us.  Gratitude can also be powerful in overcoming a complaining heart, discontentment, bitterness, and spiritual dryness.  

Just like this one Samaritan leper who returned, take time and specifically name things in your life that you are grateful for.  These can be some examples:

  • Your salvation/faith in Jesus
  • Local church
  • School/Job that you are currently in
  • Family
  • Health
  • Even hardship and trials

Prayer: Dear God, increase my awareness of all that has been given to me unconditionally in order that I might be more grateful toward the Giver—namely, You, Lord—of such amazing gifts. Thank You.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 26-27

June 11, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional was first posted on July 9, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“We Don’t Have to be Perfect for God to Use Us”

Jonah 3:4-9: 

Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s journey. And he called out, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” 5 And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. 6 The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7 And he issued a proclamation and published through Nineveh, “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water, 8 but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and let them call out mightily to God. Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. 9 Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.”

What does it mean for God to use us? In today’s text, we find a powerful movement of God through a person.

Here, we find Jonah beginning to pronounce judgment on Nineveh. This was the task that he ran away from previously. As he passes through this great city, which takes three days (Jonah 3:3), Jonah is loudly declaring judgment in 40 days. This was not a pleasant message to give, and Jonah was probably not a pleasant messenger. Yet, this is who God chose and the message God gave him to speak.

Seeing this, it would be safe to assume that Jonah would have been beaten up or thrown out of the city or even killed. Yet, we find the opposite: The King hears the message and calls everyone to fast and repent. The whole city calls out to God and is transformed.

This is the supernatural work of God. Not only does He transform individual lives through the sharing of the gospel, but He can move great cities and nations. 

I am personally challenged by this because I often find myself lacking faith in what God can do. When we are told that we would be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, I am filled with more anxiety than passion.

But our encouragement for faith and boldness wells up when we look again at this text. Nineveh’s transformation didn’t happen through a conquering hero or even through a person who was excellent in following the Lord. The message wasn’t eloquent or appealing. It was Jonah who ran away giving an offensive message that God used.

What this means for us is that we don’t have to be perfect or even at a certain level of maturity or accomplishment for God to use us. When the Word of the Lord comes to us and calls us to go, we just have to obey and God will do the rest. 

This morning, let’s ask the Lord to reveal to us people He has called us to speak the gospel of Jesus to. Let’s take encouragement from this text and say to God, “Yes, I will go and speak.”

Prayer: God, open my eyes to someone You called me to speak Jesus to. Strengthen me to trust that as You send me, You will use me. I say yes to You.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 25

Lunch Break Study

Re-read the passage for this morning’s devotion.

Read Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””

Questions to Consider

  1. What was the result of Jonah’s message in Nineveh?
  2. What does God’s persistence in using Jonah to transform Nineveh reveal about how God operates?
  3. When we look at the Great Commission in light of today’s Jonah text, what encouragement do we find?

Notes

  1. The Ninevites repented by turning away from their evil ways and violence, and fasting from food and water that signified their desire for God’s mercy.
  2. Throughout Scripture, and especially in this text, it is evident that God loves using people to accomplish His will. He doesn’t always do this (e.g. Balaam’s donkey), but it is safe to say that the overwhelming majority of the times He does.
  3. Fulfilling the Great Commission is about obedience and availability more so than skill or personal merit.

Evening Reflection

We are all commissioned by God to speak His message wherever we go. Who is God placing on your heart to speak the gospel to? Pray that God would reveal this to you, and ask for an opportunity to share tomorrow.

June 10, Thursday

UPDATED Today’s AMI QT blog, written by Pastor Mark Chun of Radiance Christian Church in S.F., was originally posted on March 3, 2015; it has been updated. Mark is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

Siblings Named, “Insecurity” and “Jealousy”

1 Samuel 10:17-24 (ESV)

Now Samuel called the people together to the Lord at Mizpah. 18 And he said to the people of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.’ 19 But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your calamities and your distresses, and you have said to him, ‘Set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and by your thousands.” 20 Then Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot. 21 He brought the tribe of Benjamin nearby its clans, and the clan of the Matrites was taken by lot; and Saul the son of Kish was taken by lot. But when they sought him, he could not be found. 22 So they inquired again of the Lord, “Is there a man still to come?” and the Lord said, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.” 23 Then they ran and took him from there. And when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. 24 And Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen? There is none like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!”

Most of the lessons that we learn from the life of Saul are of the negative type—meaning, things that we should avoid doing.  However, as we read the account of his coronation, it seems evident that Saul was thrust into the kingship almost against his will.  When given an opportunity to share about what happened between him and Samuel with his uncle, Saul leaves out the “minor” detail that he would be chosen to be the first king of Israel.  And when in accordance with the prophecy, his name is chosen by lottery, instead of welcoming the chance to be king, Saul is nowhere to be found and the people literally had to take him out of his hiding spot.    

At first glance, this reluctance to take the mantle of kingship may appear to be a sign of humility, but there is a clear distinction between modesty and a lack of courage.  Saul suffered greatly from the latter because of his inability to conquer his insecurities.  Perhaps a clue to Saul’s inner demon is found in the preceding chapter when he responds to Samuel by saying, “Am I not a Benjamite, from the least of the tribes of Israel?  And is not my clan the smallest of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin?  Why then have you spoken to me in this way?”  In certain ways, Saul is paralyzed by his own negative self-perception and he is unable to respond to the call of God in a healthy manner.  Later on, in his relationship with David, Saul’s insecurities would drive him into murderous fits of jealousy when the people begin to give greater praise to David.  Yes, insecurity and jealousy are siblings. 

In the course of doing ministry, I have met many people who struggle with this very issue; and to a degree, it plagues all of us.  There are some who refuse to serve or take greater responsibility in leadership because of their insecurities.  There are some who cannot rejoice over the success of others because it is perceived as a threat to their own sense of worth.  Still others cannot take criticism and correction, even when it is constructive, because it threatens their ego.

Sadly, even as God gives us everything that is needed to succeed, if we don’t deal with our personal insecurities, we will find a way to ruin the opportunity that God lays before us.  If Saul would have simply cast his eyes away from his own deficiencies and placed his trust in the sovereign choice of God, the result of his life may have been different.  In our own struggle against our insecurities, the fact that God has chosen us to be his children has to be the source of our security.  

Prayer: Father, You have chosen us before the beginning of time to be co-heirs with Your Son.  This is an honor and a privilege that is beyond our scope of understanding.  And though we are not fit to be called to such a noble position, in Your grace and wisdom, You have found us to be worthy through Your Son.    Help us to realize that our sense of security doesn’t come because of what is or is not on our resume, but ultimately, our security comes from your great love for us.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Ezekiel 24

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 12:3-6 (ESV): For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Questions to Consider

  1. How can we learn to be objective in our self-evaluation of the gifts God has assigned to us?
  2. Why is this important to the healthy functioning of the church?
  3. Is there a ministry that God is calling you to?  How are you using your spiritual gifts?

Notes

  1. In evaluating what we can contribute to the kingdom of God, it is vitally important to be sober in our judgment of ourselves.  Literally, we have to be careful not to be intoxicated by our own egos and become “egoholics.”   However, this does not mean that we have to be somber in our self-judgment, because by God’s grace, everyone has been assigned to do something worthy for the glory of God.  
  2. This proper self-evaluation is important because it allows people to find their right place in ministry, and not be caught up in comparing themselves with other members of the church.  Many times, we forget to honor the parts of the body of Christ that are not as visible and end up only applauding what is on the surface.  For the church to be healthy, each member has to play their part.  
  3. This passage is a wonderful reminder that we are all responsible for honing and developing the spiritual gifts that God has graciously given to us.  

Evening Reflection

It has been said that God equips those whom He calls.  Think of God’s call on your life.  If you are unsure, ask the Lord to clarify it.  If it is more certain, ask God to develop both your character and your gifts to fulfill His purpose.    

June 9, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional was first posted on July 8, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“A God of Second Chance”

Jonah 3:1-3

Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it the message that I tell you.” 3 So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, three days’ journey in breadth. 

God is a God of second chances. This is one of the truths that I hold dearly in light of the fact that I am prone to fail God and run away time after time. 

This morning, we find Jonah facing the same situation as in the beginning of this book. God reaches out to Jonah and calls him to go and pronounce judgment against the city; it is the same calling and the same message. This time, after going through the whole ordeal of the storm and fish, Jonah knows better than to run away. He arises and goes to Nineveh.

A cynical interpretation of this text makes God look cruel by forcing Jonah to do what he obviously didn’t want to do. The reality of God’s heart, though, is that He didn’t give up on Jonah. God was persistent in fulfilling the calling and purpose for which Jonah was raised. God could have used someone else, but He didn’t; He was gracious in His persistence.  As I reflect on this, I’m amazed. God could have used other people besides me. He could have used people who were more faithful, better at remembering Bible verses, whose lives were holier, but God continues to use me, even when I run away.  

This reveals one undeniable truth: without God’s immeasurable grace, we would be passed over in an instant.  We should never, therefore, take His grace for granted.  It’s humbling to realize this. God doesn’t have to use us, but even in our failings, He persists in calling out for us to be His hands and feet. 

Prayer: God, I know I fail you over and over again. Pour your grace over me. Continue to call to me, and give me the strength to say yes again and again.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 23

Lunch Break Study

Re-read the passage for this morning’s devotion.

Philippians 1:6: And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Questions to Consider

  1. Why does the writer of Jonah repeat (almost verbatim) the beginning chapter 1 in chapter 3?
  2. What does this text reveal about God’s character?
  3. What assurance does this text and Philippians 1:6 give us?

Notes

  1. By doing this, it highlights the fact that God is giving Jonah a second chance. It also shows that God’s purpose for Jonah did not change.
  2. It shows that God is not quick to give up on people. Also, it shows that the calling of God is not base on merit, but His grace.
  3. It assures us that God is persistent and persevering in calling us. God will continue to pursue us to fulfill the good work He began in us.

Evening Reflection

It’s easy for us to view ourselves in light of our failures. Yet, God is greater than our failures, and His grace empowers us to move forward. What failures have held you back from fulfilling God’s call over your life? Pray for God’s grace and a second chance over your life to say yes to Him again.